2. digital
  3. 190725-159739

Impact of a DDC using SPDIF (not I2S)

I have been toying with the idea of trying a Digital to Digital Converter to convert the output from my Innuos Zenith MKIII from USB to SPDIF. The SPDIF would then connect via AES to a Merason Reuss DAC. A likely candidate is the Denafrips Hermes DDC. 

My question, and I already know the obvious answer, 'Try it and see', is whether I would gain much converting to SPDIF. I know that this is highly component dependent. Switching away from USB into the DAC moves the clocking into the DDC vs using the DAC's clock. Many of the folks who have used DDC's successfully use the I2S input on their DAC, however the Merason Reuss does not support I2S input. 

I realize that my mileage may vary, but I am hoping to hear from others that have used a DDC to help me decide if I want to try one out. It is not an inexpensive experiment, a bit of due diligence up front is warranted. Let me know your thoughts.

zlone

Showing 1 response by rikkipuu

rikkipuu's avatar
rikkipuu
282 posts
 

I have a Statement.  I found using an Antipodes S20/S60 to output S/PDIF (BNC) is a benefit even with the Statements excellent USB, so higher quality sources also benefit.

FWIW I also found the Ethernet output of the Statement to be better than USB.  I use an OpticalModule/Signature Rendu Deluxe to change Ethernet to USB and then to the Antipodes.

I can't say enough how blown away I was when I added the Signature Rendu Deluxe,  I think it has been the single most profound upgrade I have made.  Its more than just the Optical as I used an UltraRendu/OpticalModule combo before the Signature Rendu Deluxe.

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